Offered a new job

A question about : Offered a new job

Hi there,

I currently work at a company earning Ј15k a year. It is quite a safe job, just doing admin work but there isn't much room for progression in the future. I have applied for a job and been offered a job at Nationwide as a Personal Banking Manager. They have offered me Ј17,350 plus bonuses based on performance. Its speaking to people and seeing what there needs are for current accounts, credit cards and things like that. There is a six month probationary period though which I am a little bit wary off. I am 19 years old and I do have a phone contract and some other commitments that obviously have to be paid. I also go half on all the bills with my Mum and she relies on me heavily. I am scared that if I went for the Nationwide job and they didn't think I was good enough they would get rid of me and then I would be without a job.

What do you think I should do? Nationwide seems like a good company to work for. My job at the moment is safe at least for the next couple of years.

Would love to hear your thoughts as I have to get back to Nationwide by tomorrow at 4pm.

Best answers:

• Every decision in life comes with rewards and consequences. If you want the job and believe you are capable of doing it I would say go for it. You are far more likely to regret not taking it on later if you don't.
  As for your current job being safe for a couple of years - don't you believe it. Many organisations in both the public and private sector play up their intention to be in a location long term, but if they find it expedient to change their mind they will do it in a heartbeat. I know because I've been in that situation more than once.
• I don't think they would offer you the job, if didn't think up to it- bound to be initial (and ongoing) product training, anyway- go for it!
• You sound a bit apprehensive about The Nationwide role. If you have the confidence to do it and think you will enjoy it more then I would go for it. If not stay as you are as there is a lot to be said about sticking to the devil you know. Only you can decide.
• Every job I've ever had has come with a probationary period (including internal promotions).
• Thank you for your help.
• Agree with ~Beanie~ re "seeing what their needs are" vs "sell it to them whether they need it or not".
  If you have the confident, reslient character to thrive in that competitive environment, and if the career structure is better, it's worth going for. You'd have to regard bonuses as just that - you can't reckon on them and they are difficult to count as income for loans & mortgages etc.
  Good to read about a son who splits bills with his Mum instead of the stories usually on this site. Good for you!
• You have to taken chances in life sometimes, and learn from any mistakes that come from them. I was made redundant towards the end of 2012 - I panicked and jumped straight into a new job the following week. I lasted two weeks before I jumped ship as I hated it so much. My husband tried to convince me to stay but I was so stressed it was making me cry myself to sleep. I took the scary step of resigning being hopeful something better would come along - it did, I got myself a job in HR which I adore and 18 months in never been happier
• Decided to stay where I am. My current job said they will give me a CERT CII (I work in Insurance so this is an insurance qualification). Also Nationwide offered me Ј17,350 and my employer said they will give me a pay rise at the end of March, they said they will be able to come pretty close to what Nationwide offered me.
  What does everyone think of this? Would be nice to hear your thoughts.
  Thanks!
• Congratulations on a good negotiation with your current employer. Just make sure they live up to their promises!
  There is one thing I'd like to clarify - probation periods are a red herring.
  Yes, they are a natural break for employers to get rid of employees they don't like. However, employers can get rid of you for any reason at all for your FIRST TWO YEARS of employment with them.
  Which makes these decisions even harder, since sometimes you DO have to leave to progress.
• You probably made the right decision (because it is the decision you went with in the end ) but do keep in mind that non only most roles will come with a probably period, but anyone under 2 years in a new job can be dismissed without a reason anyway.
  If you want to progress, you will have to face that risk one day. Fortunately, most companies are serious and only give jobs to those who are capable of meeting the demands, so it is not very common for hard working dedicated people to find themselves dismissed in these circumstances.
• See, I was explained the 6 month probation even with another building society is to actually ensure you are a 'competent' person, and I would have spun it to myself that it likely was 6 months guaranteed wage at worst and at mid best seeing it was something I was capable of
  Still all is not lost if you positively turned NW down? which probably was equally important..
  I dare say you haven't cut of your chances for the future